By FRANCESCA MOLD political reporter
Departing US Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun has cancelled an appearance at a farewell reception in Rotorua after discovering that ticket sales were to be poured into Labour Party campaign coffers.
Rotorua MP Steve Chadwick yesterday admitted that she had made a diplomatic gaffe by using the ambassador as a drawcard to a fundraising event.
The February 25 event at the Rotorua Blue Baths was touted as high tea in the gardens with drinks, nibbles and entertainment.
Tickets were $35 each.
But using a foreign envoy to raise funds for political purposes is a no-no.
Ms Chadwick put her mistake down to being a new MP.
"We had no idea of the diplomatic convention but we don't want to embarrass the ambassador," she said.
"I don't want to get into diplomatic hot water either."
Ms Moseley Braun hurriedly cancelled her appearance yesterday after learning of the potentially embarrassing breach of diplomatic etiquette.
A US Embassy spokesman said the retiring ambassador had no idea when she accepted the invitation that fees were being charged or that the money would be used for political purposes.
"Although the ambassador has met many business, community and social groups around the country, she does not participate in political fundraising events," the spokesman said.
"We understand that MP Steve Chadwick is seeking an alternative guest speaker."
Ambassador swerves from Labour fundraising event
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